The Making Of The Barker Meadow Server

The Barker Meadow Server was made as a small casserole baking dish or serving dish.

This piece was first thrown as a bottomless low cylinder on the wheel, then, after firming up a bit, was re-shaped into an oval.

After further drying, a slab is made that will become the bottom of the dish.

Slab and oval are joined then placed in a humid environment so the base and walls can meld solidly together.

Handles are first pulled then joined to the piece.

Carved decorations are added.

After bisque firing the sections that are reddish were brushed with wax to resist the glaze thus allowing the reddish color to remain

The piece was then dipped in a glaze called Acero Azul and was ready for the last most important step in the making of this piece -

The third, phase, called "atmospheric firing" spanning roughly 30 hours plus cooling time, in which fire, heat, ash, and soda come together to create the final product. It is when, as Julie states the "kiln gods" are at work.